If you've ever been curious about where the term "masochism" comes from, you will find it laden in the pages of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's masterpiece, Venus in Furs, for whom the term was named. Drawn in part from his own life experiences, Sacher-Masoch's novel develops an eroticism unlike any other. The book's protagonist, Severin, is so infatuated and obsessed with the object of his desire, Wanda, that he asks to be her slave. Although hesitant at first, Wanda's treatment of Severin becomes more and more depraved, fueling Severin's own desires for cruelty.

Venus in Furs

This is the best known work of this Austrian writer and poet who based this tale of love, humiliation and obsession largely on his own life and gave the English language the word masochism. A compelling well written story it has inspired and influenced many psychologists, artists, writers and musicians from Thomas Mann to the Velvet Underground and even Freud, since its first publication in 1870.